It seems like a deflating thought, knowing your job has been put on the market to see if better offers are out there.

But Kansas University junior Adam Barmann sees the fight for the starting-quarterback job — his in 2004 — as a way to improve KU’s lagging offense.

“Having more good quarterbacks,” Barmann said, “is better than not having any good ones at all.”

Barmann is battling three teammates for the gig, a fight that could last until KU’s season opener against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 3. Based on allotted repetitions at spring drills, which are on hold this week for spring break, it appears Barmann and red-shirt freshman Marcus Herford are neck-and-neck, with seniors Brian Luke and Jason Swanson waiting in the wings.

All but Herford started at least one game last season. Barmann answered the bell in the first eight before injuring his shoulder in a loss at Iowa State. He missed the rest of the season.

But even before the injury sidelined him, Barmann’s role wasn’t in cement. He was replaced by Swanson late in games against Northwestern and Kansas State, then split time with Swanson against Oklahoma.

Swanson then was hurt a week later, and Luke performed well against Texas and Missouri to close out the season.

“I think every guy is capable of stepping in and playing,” Barmann said. “You saw last year, Brian came in and beat Missouri. Marcus is extremely talented — a real fast, strong kid. He’s got to learn the system a little bit, but I think he will. Jason played last year, and he did well.

Kansas University quarterback Adam Barmann (7) throws a pass during a KU spring practice. Barmann is competing with three other quarterbacks -- Marcus Herford, Jason Swanson and Brian Luke -- for the starting job in 2005.

“I think we’ve got a good string of quarterbacks. Any one of us can step up and play.”

Understandably, Barmann wants it to be him, though. The Weston, Mo., native has more experience than any QB on the roster and has passed for 1,991 yards and 16 touchdowns in his 12-game career. But KU coach Mark Mangino has been successful in recruiting quality quarterbacks the last two years — first Herford, a dual-threat QB from Texas, and now Kerry Meier, a Pittsburg High senior who will join the Jayhawks this summer and probably will compete for the job in 2006 after a red-shirt season.

Barmann, it appears, likely never will have the job security afforded to some quarterbacks. But he doesn’t seem to mind all that much.

6Sports video: Jayhawks working on quarterback question (03-24-05) Bio: Adam Barmann Bio: Marcus Herford Bio: Jason Swanson Bio: Brian Luke

“I just have to go out and do my thing and play,” he said. “I just take care of what I do. I’m glad I have competition. That’s what makes you better.”

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Roster tweaks: KU released a spring roster last week, and there were a few minor changes from the end of last season.

Greg Heaggans, a kickoff return specialist, now is listed as a cornerback instead of wide receiver. In addition, Mangino already announced the moving of Bruce Ringwood from linebacker to fullback, and Matt Thompson from left offensive tackle to center.

Kansas University quarterback Adam Barmann, left, drops back to pass as KU football coach Mark Mangino watches. Barmann, shown during a Jayhawk spring practice, is one of four KU players vying for the starting-quarterback job in 2005.

Jon Cornish still is listed at running back, but was seen at KU’s open practice last week working out with the linebackers.

“Jon is a very talented young guy,” Mangino said. “We just wanted to see if we can give some depth to our linebacker corps. But it’s an experiment.”

Marcus Herford, a red-shirt freshman, the athletic Herford is the Jayhawk most likely to overtake Barmann.Jason Swanson, a senior who replaced Barmann late in games in 2004 before an injury ended his season.Brian Luke, a senior who started two games in 2004 and is considered a long shot, Luke led the Jayhawks to a victory over Missouri.